Disease

New HIV cases at 1 000 a day in South Africa

With the staggering number of new HIV cases among young women reported to be at 1 000 every day in South Africa, experts have urged for more strategic interventions in dealing with a looming pandemic.

“The HIV infection rate among young women in the 18-24 year age group is more than double that of their male counterparts and current interventions are simply not working as effectively as they should in reducing the number of infections,” according to Professor Koleka Mlisana, University of KwaZulu-Natal head of microbiology.

Some recommendations include cash incentives to teenage girls, encouraging them to stay in school and avoid falling pregnant. Another suggestion is a self-testing kit for HIV.

“South Africa has over six million people living with HIV – the highest in the world – with new infections among young females on the rise,” says Mlisana.

“Government has introduced successful measures to stem the HIV/Aids tide, including reducing the mother-to-child transmission rate from 35% to less than 1% and the world’s largest anti-retroviral programme.

Rift Valley Fever in Uganda

A butcher and 19-year-old student in a town 336km from the Ugandan capital have contracted Rift Valley Fever. This is the first time ever the disease is reported in humans or animals in Uganda.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Director General of Health Services in Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the two cases in Kabale in western Uganda, adding that three other suspect cases have been identified.

Rift Valley Fever is an acute, fever causing viral disease that affects domestic animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats and buffalo, camels) and humans.